Therapeutic speech massage is based on a thorough understanding of the interactions and relationships between the muscles of the peripheral speech apparatus, that is, all of the muscles of the face, head, neck and shoulders. Research has shown that "primary" muscles will be more receptive to the effects of massage when other muscles which are connected to them are treated first. TSM utilizes this "sequencing" approach when massage of the muscles controlling speech and voice is indicated This step by step approach is the defining characteristic of TSM.

This workshop will build upon the material and techniques presented in Dr. Dyakova's seminar on "hypertonic", or relaxation, massage. Although not a strict requirement, it is strongly recommended that seminar be taken in advance of this seminar on "hypotonic", or activating, massage

After participation in this seminar, the participants should be able to design a program of treatment combining both types of massage for those clients demonstrating more complicated forms of speech pathologies. The focus of the treatments presented in this workshop will be to allow the patient to gain control of the primary speech muscles in order to facilitate the utterance of normal speech sounds. Although TSM has been extremely successful with a wide variety of speech pathologies, it is not a "silver bullet". It is important to recognize that TSM must be used in conjunction with the whole range of standard treatments used by all speech therapists.

In this workshop, the participants will be given a brief summary of the muscles of the peripheral speech apparatus, followed by specific techniques appropriate for patients with hypotonic muscular pathologies, including but not limited to dysarthria, dysphonia, stuttering, dysphagia, apraxia, cleft palate, certain types of mandibular dysfunction and pathologies of the frenum.

SEMINAR PROGRAM

NOTES: (L) indicates the session is presented largely in lecture form.
(H) indicates the session is largely hands on in nature.

DAY ONE

8:00 Session 1

1. The meaning of activating TSM. (L)

2. Speech pathologies which respond well to activating TSM. (L)

3. Indicators and counter indicators for the use of activating TSM. (L)

4. Integration of activating TSM with other techniques of speech therapy (L)

1. Different positions and postures for the patient during use of activating TSM. (H)

2. The different movements and hand positions used in activating massage. (H)

4:45 Close

DAY TWO

8:00 Session 1

1. Demonstration and practice with the use of activating massage movements used on the muscles of the neck and shoulders, the forehead and the occipital region. (H)

2. Demonstration and practice of passive and passive-active exercises. (H)

3. Demonstration and practice with elements of acupressure. (H)

10:00 Coffee

10:15 Session 2

1. Demonstration and practice with the use of activating massage movements used on the chewing muscles, the buccinator and zygomatic muscles, and the muscles of the lips. (H)

12:00 Lunch

12:30 Session 3

1. Demonstration and practice with the use of activating massage movements used on the muscles of the tongue and the muscles located on the floor of the oral cavity. (H)

2. Demonstration and practice with the use of activating massage movements used on the muscles of the soft palate and the base of the tongue. (H)

2:30 Coffee

2:45 Session 3

1. Discussion and demonstration of specific programs for the treatment of selected speech pathologies including dysarthria, apraxia, dysphagia, dysphonia, cleft palate, problems with mandibular dysfunction and pathologies of the frenum.